WhatsApp quoteEmirates Islamic suits businesses that want Islamic banking backed by a large banking group, and its product range includes business account, Islamic trade finance, corporate cards and payroll. Emirates Islamic is the Islamic banking arm of the Emirates NBD group, combining Sharia compliance with the group's digital platform, and it is one of the banks GoldenKey regularly introduces new companies to. Importantly, free zone traders can import duty-free into the zone and re-export without paying UAE customs duty, which is why Jebel Ali and Sharjah zones dominate this activity. Selling into the UAE mainland triggers 5% duty. Import & Export in Emirates Islamic means importing goods into the UAE and exporting or re-exporting them to regional and global markets, and it is licensed as a commercial activity.
Why Emirates Islamic
Day to day, having a UAE residence visa and Emirates ID for at least one signatory makes an Emirates Islamic application noticeably smoother. If Emirates Islamic is not the right fit for your profile, we say so and introduce you to a bank that is, because a well-matched application is approved faster. GoldenKey has licensed import & export in Emirates Islamic for clients ranging from solo founders to groups opening a regional branch, so we know which sub-activities to list.
How Emirates Islamic works with GoldenKey
Step 1Profile review
We review your licence, activity, shareholder nationalities and expected turnover and confirm that Emirates Islamic is a sensible match.
Step 2Document pack
We compile the licence, memorandum, passport and visa copies, address proof, business profile and sample contracts in the layout Emirates Islamic expects. Your portal shows the status of this step for an Emirates Islamic account for an import-export business in real time.
Step 3Introduction and meeting
GoldenKey introduces you to a business banking officer at Emirates Islamic and joins the application meeting, in person or online.
Step 4Compliance and activation
After compliance review by Emirates Islamic, any queries are answered with our help and the account is opened. Your portal shows the status of this step for an Emirates Islamic account for an import-export business in real time.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for an Emirates Islamic account for an import-export business; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- A CV for each shareholder and the company's website or social links
- Passport, visa and Emirates ID copies of all shareholders and signatories
- Sample invoices, contracts or purchase orders where available
- Office tenancy contract or flexi-desk agreement
- Proof of residential address for each signatory
- Personal or corporate bank statements for the last three to six months
Pricing
Day to day, the figures below for an Emirates Islamic account for an import-export business are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Use the table below to compare packages for an Emirates Islamic account for an import-export business; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation.
| GoldenKey service fee | AED 1,500 |
|---|
Introduction, document preparation and coordination with bank relationship manager
Request this servicePrices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-07.
Why the UAE
The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for an Emirates Islamic account for an import-export business and makes international pricing simple. The UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, so so many founders choose it as a base for an Emirates Islamic account for an import-export business.
Why GoldenKey
On the ground, because GoldenKey works with the licensing authority, the immigration department and the banks every single week, we know exactly which documents each of them will ask for on an Emirates Islamic file. Our quotations for an Emirates Islamic account for an import-export business list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, ahead of payment anything. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with an Emirates Islamic account for an import-export business, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.
In our experience, message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for an Emirates Islamic account for an import-export business, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Does GoldenKey guarantee a Emirates Islamic account?
No adviser can. Emirates Islamic's compliance team makes the decision. What GoldenKey does is prepare a complete, consistent application and introduce you to the right banking officer, which is where most of the difference is made.
Can I open a Emirates Islamic account without a UAE residence visa?
Some banks consider non-resident company accounts, but most prefer a resident signatory. GoldenKey usually processes your investor visa before the bank application for that reason.
How long does Emirates Islamic take to open a business account?
Day to day, timelines vary with the bank's workload and the complexity of your profile. Simple service companies with a resident signatory are generally faster; trading companies with many countries of operation take longer.
Is import & export allowed in Emirates Islamic?
Emirates Islamic assesses import & export businesses on their documentation and trading pattern. {brand} prepares a profile that explains the activity clearly.
What approvals does import & export need?
To be clear, customs code; product-specific approvals for food, cosmetics, medical and telecom goods. GoldenKey obtains these as part of the setup.
